Coldplay confirm intimate Mencap gig

Coldplay have announced plans for an intimate show at Exeter Castle on December 19.

Joining them on the bill supporting charity Mencap's 'Big Noise Sessions' are Lily Allen and La Roux, who are expected to perform stripped-back sets alongside the Viva La Vida hitmakers.

The event will take place inside a marquee transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who was born and raised in Exeter, said: "I don't think there could be a better way to end the decade... La Roux, Lily Allen, Jo Whiley - what more can you ask for? We're proud to support Mencap and, for me, it's exciting to play my hometown. We haven't played there since 2000. It's going to be really, really special."

The first batch of tickets will be made available on December 8 to paying subscribers on the Little Noise Sessions website. The second lot will be sold at HMV Exeter on December 10.

Finally, the last set of tickets will be put on general sale on December 11 via HMV's official website. Entrance to the show will cost £50, with all proceeds going to Mencap.